At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex procurement and contract management to deliver value and high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace committed to your career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving commercial transformation and improving efficiency.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified or working towards it, with public sector procurement experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Manchester
The Commercial and Contracts Management team delivers end-to-end commercial activity across the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), supporting Technology, People Services, Property and Market Research.
As a Principal Commercial Manager, you will play a senior role within a high-performing team, leading complex procurement and contract management activity. Reporting to the Assistant Director Commercial, you will lead technology procurement and support wider commercial priorities to deliver value for money and high-quality outcomes.
You will be responsible for delivering end-to-end procurement in line with government standards, while embedding strong contract and supplier management across all activity. You will also use management information, reporting and commercial analytics to inform decision-making and drive performance improvements.
A key focus is driving commercial transformation—identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, deliver savings and strengthen supplier performance. You will build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers, influencing to ensure commercial arrangements meet organisational needs.
You will also lead and develop others, promoting commercial capability across the organisation. To succeed, you will be MCIPS qualified (or working towards) with strong experience delivering procurement in a public sector or regulated environment.
The Benefits: Your benefits package will include a competitive contributory pension scheme and generous annual leave, plus opportunities for flexible and hybrid working. The package also includes childcare benefits, season ticket, and bicycle loans.
The Civil Service is committed to becoming the most inclusive employer in the UK and we want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us. In return for your dedication, you will enjoy our commitment to your career and development.
Principal Commercial Manager employer: Competition and Markets Authority
As a Principal Commercial Manager within the Competition and Markets Authority, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a competitive benefits package including flexible working options, generous leave, and childcare support, you will be empowered to drive commercial transformation while building strong relationships across the organisation. Join us in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, or Manchester, where your contributions will directly impact public sector procurement and contract management.
Contact Details:
Competition and Markets Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Principal Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its values. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in procurement and contract management. Tailor your answers to highlight your skills in driving commercial transformation!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources. We suggest focusing on common questions related to supplier management and efficiency improvements to really nail that interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our high-performing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and contract management, especially in public sector environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive commercial transformation. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've delivered value for money or improved supplier performance. We’re all about results, so let us know what you’ve accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Competition and Markets Authority
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in a public sector context. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered value for money and managed contracts effectively.
✨Show Off Your Stakeholder Skills
This role is all about building relationships, so think of times when you've influenced stakeholders or suppliers. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Transformation Insights
Be prepared to talk about how you've identified opportunities for efficiency and savings in previous roles. Think about metrics or analytics you've used to drive performance improvements and be ready to share those insights.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
As a Principal Commercial Manager, you'll be leading and developing others. Share examples of how you've mentored or guided team members in the past, showcasing your ability to promote commercial capability within an organisation.